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UK’s Governments pledge support to National Cycle Network overhaul

Cycle Industry News) Mark Sutton23 May, 2018 The National Cycle Network is set to undergo a major review of its walking and cycling routes to ensure they meet the highest design standards, Sustrans has announced The charity and custodian of the NCN says the review will also help to identify new routes and missing links,… [Read More]

Mark Sutton23 May, 2018
The National Cycle Network is set to undergo a major review of its walking and cycling routes to ensure they meet the highest design standards, Sustrans has announced

The charity and custodian of the NCN says the review will also help to identify new routes and missing links, and propose a long-term strategy for governance, funding, maintenance, promotion and mapping.

Established in 1995 following the first ever Millenium Commission grant to Sustrans, the NCN is a significant part of the UK’s active travel infrastructure and strategy, encouraging people to walk and cycle in a safe environment and providing important commuting access.

Every year, an estimated five million people use the Network, which totals over 16,000 miles of traffic-free paths and on road routes linking up villages, towns and cities from Cornwall to the Shetland Isles.

These trips save the economy more than £550 million by reducing levels of obesity. Holidays and days out spent on the Network generate £650 million and support 15,000 jobs.

As part of the review, Sustrans calls on governments and local authorities for dedicated and consistent investment in the development and maintenance of walking and cycling routes, including the NCN.

Xavier Brice, Sustrans’ CEO said: “Much of the existing National Cycle Network was designed to standards that have since been changed and improved. With this review, we want to further build on the success of the NCN and achieve a network of safe, fully accessible and high quality routes and paths. We hope this will make walking and cycling easier for everyone, regardless of their age and abilities, and inspire a new generation to get on their bikes.

“Walking and cycling can hugely benefit public health and wellbeing, boost local economies and create greener local environments. The NCN plays a large role in achieving this, as it encourages active commuting and a healthy lifestyle, and contributes to economic growth.

This is a reminder that governments at all levels need to prioritise dedicated and consistent investment for existing walking and cycling routes that will serve communities across the UK and generations for years to come.”

Sustrans is working with a number of partners to carry out the review, which is due to be published in September.

The Department for Transport, Transport Scotland, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Government have confirmed their support with a financial contribution towards the cost of the review.

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “We want cycling to become a natural choice of transport for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“We are determined to make cycling and walking safer and easier across the country, and that’s why we have provided £83,900 towards the cost of this important review of the National Cycle Network which should lead to future upgrades for the families, commuters and tourists who use it every year.”

Karen Furey, Cycling Policy Manager for Transport for Scotland said: “The National Cycle Network is an important and widely recognised public asset with around 2,500 miles in Scotland alone, which incorporates beautiful scenic routes which residents and visitors can enjoy.